The SFA have given their seal of approval for Bobby Madden’s performance in Celtic’s 1-1 draw with Sevco on Sunday.
Some supporters had taken the decision to give Madden the Dunfermline v Ayr match this Saturday as a demotion.
With seven Scottish referees on the FIFA list generally only four or five get Premiership matches on any given weekend.
“Fixtures for referees are delivered in four or six week ballots and we’re currently on a six week rota,” an SFA source explained to the Daily Record.
“In that time, category one officials will be given charge of two or three Premiership fixtures, a Championship game and will also be handed duties as a fourth official in a top flight match.
“It’s a nonsense to suggest Bobby has been demoted in any way, shape, or form – it was simply his turn to take charge of a Championship fixture this week.
“The Old Firm is an exceptional game but the general feeling is Bobby handled it well. This fixture will always attract controversy.”
Celtic fans were outraged by a number of decisions during the 1-1 draw culminating in a late penalty claim on Leigh Griffiths.
Early on in the match Kenny Miller put in a dangerous two footed challenge that Stuart Armstrong managed to evade while Jason Holt’ scissor foul on Patrick Roberts almost led to a Sevco goal.
Both incidents could have resulted in red cards but Madden had a perfect view of both challenges which seemed straightforward to punish.
Shortly after equalising Hill pulled at Griffiths outside the box then smashed through the Celtic striker as he prepared to shoot.
On television Madden was seen to say ‘he got the ball’ while the post match apologists explained that he couldn’t give a penalty due to his positioning.
